WAC 246-915-320

Approval of substance abuse monitoring programs.

The board will approve the monitoring program(s) which will participate in the board's substance abuse monitoring program. A monitoring program approved by the board may be contracted with an entity outside the department but within the state, out-of-state, or a separate structure within the department.

(1) The approved monitoring program will not provide evaluation or treatment to the participating physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.

(2) The approved monitoring program staff must have the qualifications and knowledge of both substance abuse and the practice of physical therapy as defined in this chapter to be able to evaluate:

(a) Clinical laboratories;

(b) Laboratory results;

(c) Providers of substance abuse treatment, both individuals and facilities;

(d) Support groups;

(e) The physical therapy work environment; and

(f) The ability of the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

(3) The approved monitoring program will enter into a contract with the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and the board to oversee the physical therapist's or physical therapist assistant's compliance with the requirements of the program.

(4) The approved monitoring program may make exceptions to individual components of the contract on an individual basis.

(5) The approved monitoring program staff will determine, on an individual basis, whether a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant will be prohibited from engaging in the practice of physical therapy for a period of time and restrictions, if any, on the physical therapist's or physical therapist assistant's access to controlled substances in the work place.

(6) The approved monitoring program shall maintain records on participants.

(7) The approved monitoring program will be responsible for providing feedback to the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant as to whether treatment progress is acceptable.

(8) The approved monitoring program shall report to the board any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who fails to comply with the requirement of the monitoring program.

(9) The approved monitoring program shall receive from the board guidelines on treatment, monitoring, and limitations on the practice of physical therapy for those participating in the program.